The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has awarded its annual series of medals to stars in horticulture for 2024.
The RHS People Awards were presented at a ceremony in London on 26 March, celebrating the stand-out people who have made outstanding contributions to horticulture and gardening.
The top award of the Victoria Medal of Honour was presented to Neil Lucas of Knoll Gardens & Nursery and Chris Lane of Witch Hazel Nursery.
The Elizabeth Medal of Honour, which was only established in 2023 by HM King Charles in memory of his late mother Queen Elizabeth, was awarded to Gardens Illustrated's founding editor and chair of Project Giving Back Rosie Atkins, as well as no-dig guru Charles Dowding, Jan Pennings and Chipper Wichman. The medal is given to confer conspicuous honour on those of any nationality that have significantly impacted the advancement of the science, art or practice of horticulture for the benefit of all generations and the environment. In recognition of the duration of Queen Elizabeth’s reign, only 70 medals are held at any one time.
Rosie Atkins said "Being awarded the EMH came as a huge surprise... it gave me a tremendous boost. Throughout my career I have been lucky enough to work with people who have been incredibly generous with both their time and knowledge.
"While I feel honoured to have had my individual contribution rewarded, I must pay tribute to all those talented writers, photographers, gardeners, designers and scientists who strive to celebrate and preserve nature’s bounty for future generations."
Charles said: "Day with a difference receiving the RHS Elizabeth Medal from Keith Weed 🌱 @the_rhs President and what a chance to chat with Clare Matterson the director general."
The Associate of Honour Award was given to plantswoman Kim Hurst, who until recently ran The Cottage Herbery, as well as Tony Hall, John Lanyon and Jaimie Parsons, while the Veitch Memorial Medal was awarded to former National Trust head of gardens Mike Calnan, Mr and Mrs Stephenson Clarke of Borde Hill Gardens, Monica Musalem Bendek and Tim Briercliffe, Secretary General of the AIPH.
Vance Hooper was awarded the Reginald Cory Memorial Cup, and the Harlow Carr Medal was awarded to John Gibbons. Josh Egan-Wyer was awarded the Roy Lancaster Award.
The 2024 Carew Pole Community Award was awarded to Steve Catanach.
Keith Weed, RHS President, said: “This year’s recipients of the Victoria Medal of Honour and the Elizabeth Medal of Honour – the highest honours in horticulture, have made an immeasurable contribution to horticulture and have inspired designers, growers and gardeners of all levels of experience. Their passion and enthusiasm shines through in every avenue of horticultural activity they undertake, and our gardening knowledge has been greatly enriched by their achievements.”
The RHS People Awards recognise the achievements and hard work of individuals making an outstanding contribution to horticulture and gardening. Anyone can make a nomination for a person of their choice they believe should be recognised for their talents - the 2025 nominations are open now. The nominations are assessed by the RHS Awards Committee, comprising of people from across the whole industry. The strongest applications are recommended to the RHS Horticulture Board and RHS Council, who make the final decisions.
The full list of RHS people awards is here.
